Issuu

Volume 18, Issue 1

Volume 18, Issue 1 February 2020 Renew - Reaffirming Your Identity

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

wFrom the Editor’s Desk

M What’s Inside?

Blessings all pon mi life and wi give thanks fi the journey, di earnings a jus fi di plus Gratitude is a must, yeah

#JBUYCAR19 Recap

Koffee Grammy Award Winning Reggae Artiste

Though secular we can take a life lesson from these words. We could not count all the blessings on our life and most definitely, gratitude to God is a must. The year has started off rough for many and scary for some but we have life which is the greatest gift. God has blessed us with mercy for us to see 2020 even if we didn’t have great vision. Let us continue to give thanks for all we have been blessed with for we are chosen by God for His marvellous work. Yours faithfully, Marcel Clarke

I Worth 1000 Words… Photo taken by “Joel” Tucker

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 Have you ever questioned who you are? Have you ever wondered whose you are? Like the potter who moulds the clay into a masterpiece, it’s the same way we are moulded by God. He fashions us into magnificence and calls us to declare His greatness for he took us out of darkness and into His light. If you ever wonder who and whose you are, be reminded that you are as the verse above says. rejoice

LMeet our Writers

Who are you in Christ?

4-5

Where are they now? Derri-Ann Palmer

6-7

A Virtuous Woman

Man Up to di Ting

My Journey Aneika White’s Testimony The Chairman’s Blog

12 - 13 16

And As Always... h

Stay Healthy

Meet the Exec

8-9

Evangelism Tip

Bet You Didn’t Know

Christian Uprising

We Got Talent IssaThread

Take the Challenge

Minor Prophets: Pt.1

Stay in your Lane

Make a Note

A Thy Kingdom Fun

Tamar Henry Barbican Baptist

Guest Writer Sheldon O’Connor Mona Baptist

Sardia McIndoe Yallahs Baptist

Delano Mighty Giblatore Baptist

Aneika White Orange Park Baptist

Lori-Ann Haye Moses Baker Baptist

Joneil Powell Sharon Baptist

Andria Bryce Paradise Baptist

Renew - Reaffirming Your Identity

Volume 18, Issue 1

#JBUYCAR19 Recap Contributed by Delano Mighty Photos are at tinyurl.com/JBUYCAR19-Photos

Exciting! Exhilarating! Electrifying!

These are but a few words to describe

the

Conference

and

JBUYD’s Rally.

From

November 21, 2019, just under 100 youth converged at the

Nutshell Conference Centre in Trelawny to participate in the Conference’s

opening

service.

The word was delivered by Rev. Travis Drummond and was only complemented by a dance by the

Brown’s

Town

Baptist

Church. After much mingling, munching and merriment, the conferees turned in for the night, preparing

for

a packed and

powerful Day 2. No roosters

were

needed to wake the conferees at

panel discussion on masculinity in

6:30am for the start of the joint

society,

devotion. Led by Rev. Racquel

knowledgeable panellists guiding

Buckley, the group ended the

the

unconventional journey into God’s

talks. A siesta period gave way to

Word

with

rousing

praise

with

intense thrilling

engaging,

and

opinion-filled

dance

party,

with

session which saw each conferee

entertainment provided by DJ

praying for another. By 9:00am,

Supa. After boogying all night, the

the assembly settled down for the

busy boppers went to bed. Tired,

insightful business meeting. There,

perhaps, but no doubt anticipating

the youth engaged in heated,

an enthralling Rally the next day.

helpful discussions on the ministry of

the

JBUYD.

31-member

executive was elected to serve the JBUYD for the 2019-2021 term, led by Ms. Joneil Powell.

Conferees awoke at 6:00am on November 23 to depart for the Ocho

Rios

Baptist

Church.

Following an in-depth dissertation from

Rev.

Karen

Kirlew,

the

months

The sessions on Day 2 were

culmination

thoroughly absorbing. The first,

preparation

paid

led by Mr Sheldon O’Connor,

participants in such competitions

encouraged our youth ministers to

as choral speaking, dance drama

persevere. The second was a

and quiz. We even had a domino

off

for

competition for the very first time! Zone 2 was crowned at the end of competitions, but everyone was victorious that weekend, as we

encountered God, the Word, and full fellowship. Did you attend #JBUYCAR19? We want to hear from you!

Talk to us on our social media pages. If you missed it, make sure to book your vacation for November 26-28, 2020! rejoice Renew - Reaffirming Your Identity

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

Who are you in Christ? Contributed by Tamar Henry

For we are His workmanship,

were yesterday and who you will

message version puts it this way:

created in Christ Jesus for good

be tomorrow all belong to Him.

“What’s the price of two or three pet

works,

You are made as a part of His

canaries?

beforehand that we should walk in

Masterpiece,

through

right? But God never overlooks a

them.

Christ Jesus for good works. You

single one. And he pays even

were made for good things and

greater attention to you, down to

Jeremiah 29:11 confirms that His

the last detail—even numbering the

heart has always been for you.

hairs on your head! So don’t be

Your identity is made in Christ,

intimidated by all this bully talk.

you

You’re worth more than a million

which

God

prepared

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) When

someone

asks

the

question “Who are you?” You often respond with “My name is …,

I am Miss so and so daughter. These responses give you an identity, they let others know who you are and possibly where you come from. For a lot of us on

this

journey

different

called

points,

faith

sometimes

something happens that makes us

must

stop

and

re-ask

ourselves, Who am I? It’s not that

we have forgotten our name but

have

created

God

the

Father’s

fingerprint over you as you were moulded by Him. The Lord took the time out to call you one of his children, his sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18). So, you are a

part of His family, His Kingdom, you are His work that even if you are not proud of yourself, He is proud of you knowing full well that you are not yet complete.

Some

loose

change,

canaries. Luke 12:7 (MSG) 2. You are royalty Jesus tell us that once we believe in who He is, we will understand

that we belong to Him and that we are able to receive precious things from Him because our identity in Him. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works

that I do he will do also; and

more that we have lost our

There are certain things God

greater works than these he will do,

identity, our understanding of

wants you know about who you

because I go to My Father. John

who we are.

are:

14:12 (NKJV)

The passage above states that

1. You are special

3. He Knows you

we are His Workmanship. We are

God says you are so important I

God says I know everything there

His (ownership). You belong to

made sure to memorize how

is to know about you even when

God. The current you, who you

many hairs are on your head. The

you are not sure of who you are.

Renew - Reaffirming Your Identity

Volume 18, Issue 1

You are not defined by what

imperfect incomplete self and

others say because God has

said I want you. He chose you out

already laid out his plans for you.

of all the people in the world he

“Before I formed you in the womb,

chose you and even if you were

I knew you, before you were born, I

the only person he would still

set you apart; I appointed you as a

choose you. The songwriter says,

prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah

“He chases me down fights till I’m

1:5 (NIV)

found leaves the ninety-nine.” He

4. You are chosen God looked on you in your yet

has called you one of his own. You are His Chosen people. Read 1

Peter 2:9 5. You are loved Travis Greene recently released a song called Good and Loved and in it is a reminder that God is good, has

always

been

good

and

because he is good, we are loved. Who we are is found in His love. Read 1 John 3:1-2. renew

h Stay Healthy - Spiritual Health Contributed by Joneil Powell It was late one night when I got up out of my bed and drove to the nearest gas station. Why? It was not because I was hungry, thirsty or in pain but because my phone battery was dying, and my charger was not working. So, I bought a new charger. Our phones are so important to us that we make sure to do everything possible to keep them at peak performance but what about keeping ourselves at peak performance? Is the health of our phone

batteries more important than the health of our spirit? DJ Nicholas was making a good point with his song Holy Ghost Gym. We need to exercise our spirits for us to build endurance to stand the struggles of life. Here are some practical ways to do just that: •

Pray constantly and consistently.

•

Read God’s Word constantly and consistently.

•

Talk with Christian friends constantly and consistently.

When we do these things, they become habits. Therefore, we will constantly and consistently feed our Spirit and anything that is fed will grow. renew Renew - Reaffirming Your Identity

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

Where are they Now? Derri Ann Palmer Contributed by Sardia McIndoe IMPACT has been featuring some

What capacities did you serve in

2013 then as the Immediate

of our past presidents. We caught

for the JBU Youth Department

Past

up with another one of our amazing

and at which point (s)?

responsibility for Promotions for

presidents and long serving JBUYD

Executive

members,

Derri

Ann

Palmer. Hereâ€™s a snippet of the roles she was involved in as part of the JBUYD and what sheâ€™s been up to since active service at the

National level:

served

the

Cultural

Chairperson

with

2013 to 2015.

Commission Chairperson for the

What would you say were the

term of 2007-2009, as Member-

most

At-Large during the 2009-2011

moments as part of the YD?

term,

Youth

Department

Chairperson between 2011 and

Renew - Reaffirming Your Identity

There

memorable/impactful

have

been

many

memorable moments as part of

Volume 18, Issue 1

the

before

becoming

serving with them have been

Losing focus of God and

member of the executive and

memorable. How could I ever

working on your own strength

while

the

forget Camps. Big up the inter

are a recipe for frustration

first

camp massive every time!

and disappointment.

serving

executive.

However,

the

memories to come to mind now are those times spent meeting with youth, young adults and youth workers during weekend Parish

Interventions.

can

remember going with a team to the Arcadia Circuit in St. Thomas

and on another occasion going to the

Savanna-la-mar Circuit in

Other special mentions would

On these interventions, we would go to the parish from the Friday evening, meet with each youth/

even if it is at the last minute.

Caribbean

Fellowship

It's better to ask for help early

Youth Festival in 2012 and sharing

but should it get down to the

in Baptist World Alliance and

wire, don't be ashamed, ask

World

for help. reach

Baptist

Council

Churches

activities. Since leaving active service in other areas of Christian witness which you have been involved in

(if any that is)?

young adult group in each church

Presently I serve through the

between the Friday and Saturday,

Music Ministry of the Bethel

and then share

in corporate

Baptist (HWT) on the Adult Choir

worship on the Sunday. It was

and [as a member of the] Take 2

wonderful to meet with other

singing group. I also share in the

youth and youth workers to learn

activities of the Youth Related

about youth ministry in their

Ministry.

context, the highs and the lows

and share best practices. It was a constant reminder that though our

circumstances

may

diverse we are united in Christ, all

I can also remember the sectional meetings when we did work at Kingston

Gardens

you

have

any

encouragement to give to the current and incoming members of the YD? My encouragement to the current

part of one family.

visited

Never hesitate to ask for help

include when Jamaica hosted the

the YD, what are some of the

Westmoreland.

and incoming members of the JBU Youth Department is to: 1.

Ensure that you maintain your

different children homes. Then

relationship with God and

there are the youth conferences

draw on His strength and

and rallies. Those times spent

work at your task with all your

meeting with other youth or

heart, as working for the Lord. Renew - Reaffirming Your Identity

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

Miss Joneil Powell Chairman

Mr. Delano Mighty

Mr. Tevon Frater

Mr. Dale Evans

Mr. Brian Mitchell

(Vice Chairman - Promotions)

Vice Chairman - Youth Fellowship

Vice Chairman - Young Adults Fellowship

Vice Chairman - Uniformed Groups

Rev. Merlyn Hyde-Riley

Immediate Past Chairman

Mr. Vernon Whyte

Miss Vanessa Williams

Mr. Gevroy Blake

Miss Danielle Redwood

Vice Chairman - Student Affairs

Secretary

Treasurer

JBU Ex-Officio

Miss Natasha Peart

Rev. Garry Knowles

Miss Tamar Henry

Mr. Sadeki Pitter

Assistant Secretary

Camps Commissions Chairman

Cultural Commissions Chairman

Sports Commissions Chairman

Miss Aneika White

JBU Ex-Officio

Mrs. Kenesha FowlerHenry Discipleship Commissions Chairman

Mr. Davian Barnes

Mr. Eric Thorpe

Miss Krisanna Orr

Mr. Travis Williams

Member - at - Large

Parish President St. Thomas

Miss Shauna Malcolm

Miss Shaneil Service

Miss Jodi Ann Allen

Mr. Andrion Miller

Parish President Kingston/St. Andrew

Parish President St. Catherine

Parish President Clarendon

Parish President St. Elizabeth/Manchester

Renew - Reaffirming Your Identity

Mrs. Sancia StewartWilliams Parish President Westmoreland

Volume 18, Issue 1

9 No

Current Parish President Miss Rochelle Brown

Mr. Courtney Calvert

Parish President Hanover

Parish President St. James

For

Mr. Nickoy Brown

Trelawny

Parish President St. Ann

Miss Marilyn Blake Parish President St. Mary

Zones and Parishes

ZONE 1

ZONE 2

St. Thomas & Portland

Kingston/St. Andrew & St. Catherine

ZONE 3

ZONE 4

Clarendon & St. Elizabeth/Manchester

Trelawny, St. Ann & St. Mary

ZONE 5

Mr. Dewayne Miller

Westmoreland, Hanover & St. James

Parish President Portland

Evangelism Tip - G.R.O.W. Contributed by Tevon Frater

There is a specific method I have learned and have been using when I

evangelise. I found out that it has been effective. See it below: Give yourself in the way that you approach the person try and connect before you try and correct... You may have to try several times in order to get to them. Remind the person what God has done for them.

Example:

the

love

God

Pray with them and not for them. Organize - find ways of getting him or her to church. Help them make the first

Missed an episode? Catch up on YouTube

step. Work

hard

prayer

y jbuyouth

and

encouragement. reach Renew - Reaffirming Your Identity

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

A Virtuous Woman Contributed by Lori Ann Haye “Who can find a virtuous woman?

decided to take a more practical

Godly – Beauty does not make

for her price is far above rubies”

look at the passage. I’ve come to

us virtuous – this is temporary;

realize

money,

Proverbs 31:10 KJV What does this even mean? Who is a virtuous woman? When I read Proverbs 31 as a

that

there

is nothing

fame,

good

magical or fictional about the

education does not qualify us as

woman

described.

virtuous. What I believe, above

Virtuous women do exist in large

all else, in identifying a virtuous

numbers.

woman, she is one who puts God

being

teenager, I was sure this woman

first. She is one who pleases God

was my grandmother – Eunice

What I believe is above all

in her thoughts and actions and

Webley; she was a committed

else in identifying a

seeks to always be in a right

Christian, a pastor’s wife, kind, loving, a great cook, industrious,

virtuous woman, is one

brilliant, beautiful and everything

who puts God first.

I interpreted a virtuous woman to also knew that women like her were a dying breed, no matter

how most other women tried they just could not measure up to

the

abilities

grandmother.

Then I got to my twenties and was myself becoming a woman and

thought

maybe

grandmother wasn’t so magical after all because there was no

way all these qualities could be

The

passage

explored

many

find” however, using Proverbs 31

ways in which a virtuous woman

as our source for what it means

can be identified however I will

to be a virtuous woman, then

sum up my interpretation in three

please excuse my obvious bias

main pillars:

but I’d say virtuous women are all

Good Character – As Christian women, we ought to protect our integrity,

whether

home,

of many of our churches, schools and communities. “Who can find a virtuous woman?

strive

for her price is far above rubies” -

honest

and

trustworthy (Proverbs 31:12,26)

this to me means that a woman

was unattainable. This Proverbs

in so many ways to be kind to

31 woman is simply fictional and

one

does not really exist. As I grew

encouraged to give of our best

older, I still have some questions

not only to God but also to others

about the practicality of this

around us (Proverbs 31: 15,20)

however,

around us, being the backbone

church or in the workplace, let us

Graciousness – Jesus taught us

woman

song “Still Searching” proclaimed that “a virtuous woman is hard to

found in any one woman; this

virtuous

31:30) A popular Jamaican artiste in his

~ Lori Ann Haye

be - It had to have been her. I

relationship with God. (Proverbs

another.

are

I Renew - Reaffirming Your Identity

with

good character

who is

gracious and Godly is worth much more than precious jewels, cars, houses or whatever humans

deem as luxurious and therefore costly. In fact, these women are invaluable! rejoice

Volume 18, Issue 1

Man Up to di Ting Contributed by Sheldon O’Connor There has always been a conflict

issues responsibly and get more

therefore, to expect women to

between the sexes about what the

involved.

work side by side with men in 9 to

roles of a man versus a woman should be. In pre-industrialized societies, these roles were far more clear cut and

generally

Here are three suggestions why our males need to “Man up to di Ting”

5 jobs and then come home to the lion’s share of housework. In the same way men and women are now expected to work side by side

accepted; men were providers and

Men should still protect women -

in the workplace, men need to step

protectors, women were nurturers